Ramses Shaffy

Dutch singer and actor Ramses Shaffy peaked in popularity during the mid- to late '60s, but remained active throughout the '70s. Born in 1933 just outside of Paris, he grew up with an aunt in the Netherlands and began working in the theater in Amsterdam during the early '50s. Meanwhile, as his acting career began to flourish in the '60s, Shaffy embarked on a singing career and found success with the 1966 album Shaffy Chantant and its title track, one of Shaffy's most enduring songs. His second album, Ramses II, spawned the biggest hit of his career, 1966's "Sammy." Shaffy remained productive in the '70s, although there were fewer big hits. After years of heavy drinking, his recording output became sporadic, and he died of cancer in 2009. ~ Jason Birchmeier